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Politics in the Village of Monticello is literally a soap opera with many exciting twists and turns. The latest controversy revolves around Mayor Jim Barnicle, a pay increase, and the selection of a new village manager.
Barnicle has taken over the duties village manager until a replacement is hired.
Nothing is wrong with that, except he secretively gave himself a pay increase of $2,000 per month for his new responsibilities. Residents and elected officials are shocked and outraged that Barnicle would do this behind closed doors.
Democrat Barnacle insisted that there was nothing wrong with the hike in salary. He maintains that local elected officials knew about it, but did not vote for it because there was no quorum at meetings held.
His tune changed when two Republican Village Trustees Scott Shoemaker and Gordon Jenkins were prepared to serve him with court papers that he illegally gave himself a pay raise.
Now, Barnicle decided to stop the payments until a decision is rendered if the raise was legal.
Look, if the Barnicle is doing these extra duties, he deserves an increase in salary. But, the trustees must decide on the amount.
This does not have to be a partisan political ballgame.
Depending on whom one talks to, rumors are circulating that Barnicle wants the full time manager’s job left vacant by Richard Sush.
The Mayor earns an annual salary of $9,000 per year, while the manager’s job pays around $70,000 plus benefits. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?
Wouldn’t be easier if voters elected a fulltime Mayor whose responsibilities are to manage the village? This way the Mayor would be responsible to all his constituents.
Similar to Sullivan County government, the Village of Monticello has a manager who is only accountable to is part-time elected officials.
Past Monticello managers are known for their turbulent combative times with elected Village officials. This is because more and yet more politics are involved.
Barnicle set up a screening committee which is weeding through applicants for the manager’s job. They will present the final candidates to the Mayor and Trustees. This committee as you probably guessed by now has ties to Barnicle.
Why is there a need for a screening committee in the first place?
Why should a committee selected by the Mayor have the power to investigate the personal affairs of applicants for the manager’s position? This should be a private matter. They were not elected by the people empowering them with this duty. Members of this screening committee could have their own ulterior motives as to who the new manager should be.
Elected Village of Monticello Trustees and the Mayor should get all the resumes. They should be the people who eliminate the candidates. They are elected by the people, and they are responsible to the people. There is no need for a screening committee.
If Barnicle still feels he has what it takes to be the Village Manager perhaps he should step down and apply for the position. This way the competition for the post will at least appear to be above board.
I know as a fact that there are several worthwhile candidates who have applied for the manager’s position and they must all be considered.
The Village of Monticello needs a manager who not only knows how to run a business, and has the ability to work with the public, but is also committed and dedicated to the village’s revitalization.
That person must have the skills to unite people from all political persuasions and work together with one common goal, to do what is best for the Village of Monticello and its future.
Backroom political wheeling and dealings is nothing new to Village of Monticello politics. The village is known for its musical chair games when governmental positions open up.
But - this time things are different because so much has come to light.
All is not lost here. Some good might come out of all this.
This new controversy provides an opportunity for all political sides to sit down and work together for the Village of Monticello.
The opportunity is at hand for Barnicle, Shoemaker, Jenkins, and all of the other elected trustees to do what are in the best interests of the residents of the Village of Monticello. Work together everyone.
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